Pot, policing hot topics at 2016 AMO Conference

WINDSOR, ON, Aug. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - The 2016 Association of Municipalities of Ontario's Conference delivered  key presentations on policing costs and marijuana legalization today.

Wendy Williams, Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, an independent inspector of police services, spoke to delegates about the United Kingdom's efforts to reduce policing costs while maintaining safety and protecting community policing and frontline policing. Rising policing costs continue to be a concern for many municipal governments.

Delegates also heard from Ashley Rea Kilroy, Executive Director, Marijuana Policy, City and County of Denver. Ms. Kilroy discussed Denver's experience with the legalization of marijuana, noting that it required significant coordination between public services.

"Municipal governments deliver many of the services that will be impacted by the legalization of marijuana," said Gary McNamara, AMO President. "Policing, licensing, public health and local economies will all be affected. We need to work with the provincial and federal governments as legalization moves forward."

Conference presentations are being posted to www.amo.on.ca.

Ontario Government Ministers took questions from Conference delegates in an open session. Key issues include interest arbitration, municipal insurance costs and energy. More information on these and other key municipal matters is available at http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Footer/Newsroom.

The Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth announced the launch of the Investment Ready: Certified Site Program aimed at helping projects get off the ground faster by marketing sites to international investors. 

Program highlights for Wednesday, August 17, the final day of the Conference, will include:

• 9:05 a.m. – Incoming AMO President Lynn Dollin, Deputy Mayor, Town of Innisfil
• 9:15 a.m. – The AMO Gas Tax Awards are presented by Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Intergovernmental Affairs and MP, Spadina-Fort York
• 9:45 a.m. – Special session on Climate Change Going Forward

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipal governments. AMO supports and enhances strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada's political system.

Follow AMO on Twitter: @AMOPolicy, #AMOCONF16

SOURCE Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact, 416-729-5425, [email protected]